Blankie: Weaving Dreams into Reality with Keane and Kvadrat

From Dreams to Design

Blankie was created with a simple yet profound goal: to merge sustainability and comfort into a product that inspires people to dream and unwind. Designed for Surge 2024’s “Build Your Dreams” theme, this project draws inspiration from childhood security blankets while integrating cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious principles.

Working with Kvadrat, we ensured Blankie was made entirely from recycled and upcycled materials, sourced from fabric offcuts here in the UAE. Their Really Material, crafted from discarded clothing and textile waste, forms the filling, while the outer shell is made from durable fabrics designed for longevity.

Meet the Team Behind Blankie

Blankie is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our Interior design team: Jill, Marco, Ali, and Jicelle. Their diverse perspectives and talents brought Blankie to life, combining artistic vision with functional innovation.

Jill shares:
"Our dream for the future is one where compassion and mental health awareness are a given, and sustainable design is the standard, using recycled and recyclable materials."

This collaboration resulted in a product that connects deeply with users, blending emotional resonance with practical sustainability.

Durability and Adaptability: Built to Last

Blankie isn’t just designed to look good; it’s built to withstand the demands of everyday use. The Kvadrat fabrics used in its construction are:

• Commercially fire-rated for safety.
• Fade-resistant, with a lightfastness rating of 5-6.
• Marine-grade and suitable for heavy-duty use, with a Martindale rub count of 100,000+.
• Guaranteed for 10 years, ensuring longevity.

In the unlikely event of damage, Blankie’s patchwork design allows for easy repairs—only the affected portion needs to be replaced. The materials are fully cleanable, and the blanket can even be dry-cleaned.

Additionally, Blankie is flexible and malleable, designed to adapt to the user’s mood and needs. The integrated AI technology enhances this adaptability, allowing users to create a personalised experience.

Sustainability at the core

Blankie’s creation was rooted in sustainability, with every material carefully chosen to minimise environmental impact.

Eco-design elements

• Materials: 100% of the materials used are upcycled or recycled, sourced from offcuts in the UAE. Nothing was derived from new resources or created specifically for this project.
• Production: Manufactured by a small-scale UAE-based producer, the process avoided creating additional waste, as the blanket was crafted entirely from existing offcuts and upcycled fibres.
• End of Life: Blankie’s materials are designed to be repurposed. Once the blanket has reached the end of its life, its components can be returned to Kvadrat’s Really Material process, where they can be transformed into filling or solid surfaces.

Kvadrat’s commitment to sustainability played a pivotal role in Blankie’s development. By 2024, all Kvadrat products will be free from PFAS chemicals, prioritising safer and more sustainable materials like Tencel™ Lux and hemp.

Music and Mental Wellness: The Blankie Experience

Music is a cornerstone of Blankie’s innovative approach to mental well-being. By incorporating Suno AI, users can transform their emotions or dreams into customised therapeutic soundscapes. Paired with the calming pressure of the weighted blanket, Blankie becomes a holistic wellness tool, offering emotional warmth and support.

Marco reflects:
"We wanted Blankie to be a safe space where people could unwind, using AI and music to create an atmosphere that lifts their spirits."

Innovative Materials and Technology

Blankie is a celebration of material innovation, utilising Kvadrat’s advanced sustainable textiles:

• Ocean-bound plastic waste repurposed into fabrics.
• Adhesive-free tufted rugs for easier recycling.
• Really Material, which upcycled over 500 tons of textile waste in 2023, with a target of 900 tons by 2024.

The blanket also integrates wireless speakers seamlessly within its tubes, amplifying the user’s relaxation experience through immersive soundscapes.

Keane balanced technological innovation with sustainability, ensuring Blankie serves as both a functional and meaningful design.

Empowering Local Craftsmanship

Keane partnered with UAE-based small manufacturers to bring Blankie to life, supporting local artisans and ensuring a close-knit, collaborative production process. This partnership highlights the importance of community involvement in creating sustainable designs.

Ali notes:
"Blankie shows that beautiful, functional design can also be eco-friendly. Working with recycled fabrics from Kvadrat made that possible."

Kvadrat’s global efforts to promote fair labour practices further underscore their dedication to responsible production. By 2024, their suppliers will use online wage tools for transparent reporting, reinforcing ethical standards across their supply chain.

The Surge Connection: Sustainability in Action

Blankie’s alignment with Surge for Water’s mission is clear: to inspire global change through sustainable design. Every element of Blankie reflects a commitment to reducing waste, sourcing responsibly, and prioritising eco-friendly innovation.

Kvadrat’s broader sustainability milestones include:

• Upcycling 500 tons of textile waste in 2023, aiming for 900 tons by 2024.
• Reducing virgin plastic by 15 tonnes at Wooltex.
• Achieving 40% CO₂ reductions in key products.

Wrapping Up: A Vision Realised

Blankie is more than a product—it’s a statement. By merging luxury, sustainability, and technology, Keane and Kvadrat have created a design that uplifts the spirit, supports mental wellness, and respects the planet.

Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to a better future, Blankie exemplifies how dreams can inspire meaningful change. As Surge 2024 reminds us, every small step in sustainable design brings us closer to a brighter, more conscious world.